Bleacher Report - Front Pagehttp://bleacherreport.com/
Bleacher Report - The open source sports networken-us30NFL Discusses Rules, Requirements of a Catch: Latest Comments and ReactionScott Polacek<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Dallas Cowboys fans will probably be thrilled to know that the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> is at least discussing the vague rules about what constitutes a catch on the field long after <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dez-bryant">Dez Bryant</a>&rsquo;s attempt in the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers was ruled an incomplete pass.</p>
<p>Troy Vincent, former cornerback (most notably for the Philadelphia Eagles) and current Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations, noted that there was plenty of discussion Tuesday:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It would certainly benefit the players, officials and fans watching to have a clear understanding of what a catch is during the course of the game. It may seem simple, but the Bryant play highlighted just how vague and difficult some of the nuances of the rule were to understand, so this is progress.</p>
<p>As Vincent mentioned, even the advance of slow-motion replay only served as another source of confusion on close plays.</p>
<p>Ideally, any changes that come from these discussions will make something as straightforward as whether a receiver made the catch or not actually straightforward.</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:53:29 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383860-nfl-discusses-rules-requirements-of-a-catch-latest-comments-and-reaction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383860-nfl-discusses-rules-requirements-of-a-catch-latest-comments-and-reactionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383860-nfl-discusses-rules-requirements-of-a-catch-latest-comments-and-reactionNFLBreaking NewsWill Jeremy Lin's Recent Hot Streak Be Enough for the Lakers to Re-Sign Him?Team Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and head coach Byron Scott have given <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/jeremy-lin">Jeremy Lin</a> the keys to the offense following the All-Star break. Lin has been putting up 17 points and five assists per game since the break. After not seeing much out of Lin early on this season, his second-half surge won't save the Lakers but could provide enough incentive for the Lakers to re-sign Lin.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Will <span class="spellcheck">Linsanity</span> remain in Los Angeles after this season? Will he be able to continue his hot streak?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Bleacher Report's <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nba">NBA</a> senior writer <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinding">Kevin Ding</a> joins Stephen Nelson to give us the latest on Lin and future plans for the <span class="spellcheck">Laker</span>.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:37:35 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383783-will-jeremy-lins-recent-hot-streak-be-enough-for-the-lakers-to-re-sign-him
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383783-will-jeremy-lins-recent-hot-streak-be-enough-for-the-lakers-to-re-sign-himhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383783-will-jeremy-lins-recent-hot-streak-be-enough-for-the-lakers-to-re-sign-himBasketballNBANBA PacificLos Angeles LakersOpinionJeremy LinTeam Stream NowMonster Nose Tackle Headlines Green Bay Packers' 2015 Free Agency Big BoardTeam Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/green-bay-packers">Green Bay Packers</a> enter the 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> free agency looking to improve their roster after reaching the NFC Championship in 2014.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Which players do the Packers need to target? Who could help propel them to another playoff berth?&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/adamlefkoe">Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span></a> and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span> discuss NFL free agency in the video above.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:36:13 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383834-monster-nose-tackle-headlines-green-bay-packers-2015-free-agency-big-board
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383834-monster-nose-tackle-headlines-green-bay-packers-2015-free-agency-big-boardhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383834-monster-nose-tackle-headlines-green-bay-packers-2015-free-agency-big-boardFootballNFLNFC NorthGreen Bay PackersOpinionTeam Stream NowMajor Moves Dolphins Must Make to Create 'Dominant' Defense with Ndamukong SuhTeam Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/miami-dolphins">Miami Dolphins</a> could be the favorite to land free agent defensive tackle <span class="spellcheck">Ndamukong</span> <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> according to multiple reports<span>&mdash;</span>including this one from <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/75404/former-nfl-gm-mark-dominik-says-dolphins-have-shot-at-ndamukong-suh" target="_blank">ESPN</a>.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">How much of an impact would <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> have on the Dolphins defense? Should Miami break the bank to land <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span>?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span> and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span> discuss the possibility of <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> in Miami in the video above.</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:35:56 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383837-major-moves-dolphins-must-make-to-create-dominant-defense-with-ndamukong-suh
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383837-major-moves-dolphins-must-make-to-create-dominant-defense-with-ndamukong-suhhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383837-major-moves-dolphins-must-make-to-create-dominant-defense-with-ndamukong-suhFootballNFLAFC EastMiami DolphinsOpinionNdamukong SuhLaquon Treadwell Injury: Updates on Ole Miss Star's Leg and RecoveryTyler Conway<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Ole Miss wide receiver&nbsp;Laquon Treadwell is expected to participate in the Rebels' spring practice after break despite his ongoing recovery from a broken leg and dislocated ankle suffered last season against the Auburn Tigers.</p>
<p>Continue for updates. &nbsp;</p>
<hr><h2>Freeze Says Treadwell Will Return After Spring Break</h2>
<h4>Tuesday, March 3</h4>
<p>Updating reporters on the status of Treadwell and linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche, Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze said both would participate in spring practice, per Hugh Kellenberger of the&nbsp;<em>Jackson Clarion-Ledger</em>:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Treadwell, a rising junior, suffered a graphic <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000422236/article/injury-updates-ole-miss-laquon-treadwell-has-surgery">left leg injury</a> while making a reception near the goal line in the Rebels' 35-31 loss to Auburn last November. The score would have put Ole Miss ahead with under two minutes remaining, but Treadwell fumbled because of the injury.&nbsp;He was initially <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11815833/wr-laquon-treadwell-likely-four-months-ole-miss-rebels">expected to miss four months</a>, putting his return after spring break well within that time frame.</p>
<p>Before going down with the injury, Treadwell was Ole Miss' leading receiver with 48 grabs for 632 yards and five touchdowns. He made a team-high 72 receptions as a freshman.</p>
<p>With Freeze expecting him back for spring practice, there is little reason to think Treadwell will have any trouble coming back and re-establishing himself as the Rebels' top option in 2015.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Follow Tyler Conway (<a href="https://twitter.com/tylerconway22">@tylerconway22</a>) on Twitter.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:32:03 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383772-laquon-treadwell-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-stars-leg-and-recovery
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383772-laquon-treadwell-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-stars-leg-and-recoveryhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383772-laquon-treadwell-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-stars-leg-and-recoveryNCAACollege FootballSEC FootballOle Miss FootballBreaking NewsInjury ReportInternet Reacts to News That Russell Westbrook Will Wear a MaskDan Carson<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">It&rsquo;s happening, guys. <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/russell-westbrook">Russell Westbrook</a> is finally bridging the gap between human being and full-blown comic book character.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck">ve</span> paid even passive attention to the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> point guard&rsquo;s career over the past six years, you know it was only a matter of time until Westbrook shed his humanity and embraced life as a hand-drawn vigilante. He&rsquo;s played sidekick and saved the day with his freakish abilities. He has the requisite off-the-job nerd attire, and now, Westbrook is finally donning on-the-job superhero gear.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After taking an accidental Bane-knee to the face from teammate Andre Roberson at the end of Friday&rsquo;s game against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/portland-trail-blazers">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, Westbrook was diagnosed with a fractured <span class="spellcheck">zygomatic</span> arch. He&rsquo;s since had surgery on the bone and is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday&rsquo;s game against the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, per <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12414112/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-return-wednesday">ESPN.com</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The caveat, however, is Westbrook will likely wear a mask in his return. A <em>mask</em>.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Obviously, everyone who is a fan of basketball or the idea of Westbrook flying around with a mask (so, a fan of basketball) is losing it over this news. Some have better suggestions for Westbrook than a clear mask.</p>
<p>Here are some of the best out there:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>I have a couple suggestions:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>You do you, Russ.</p>
<p>If you want to come back wearing the Hound&rsquo;s dog head helmet, I support this fully. But if the league forces your hand with the clear one, I can't fault you for obeying.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nba">NBA</a> just doesn't appreciate accessorizing as much as the rest of us.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><a href="https://twitter.com/DrCarson73">Dan is on Twitter</a>, bending steel into the form of an ox head for Russell.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:21:42 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383831-internet-reacts-to-news-that-russell-westbrook-will-wear-a-mask
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383831-internet-reacts-to-news-that-russell-westbrook-will-wear-a-maskhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383831-internet-reacts-to-news-that-russell-westbrook-will-wear-a-maskBasketballNBANBA NorthwestOpinionOklahoma City ThunderRussell WestbrookTrendingMarco Reus Injury: Updates on Borussia Dortmund Star's Status and ReturnRory Marsden<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/borussia-dortmund">Borussia Dortmund</a> star Marco Reus was substituted with an injury during the Bundesliga side's&nbsp;<span>German Cup tie against Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday.</span></p>
<p><span>The news was reported by the club, with ESPN FC noting the potential impact Reus' absence may have on Dortmund's prospects:</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Fortunately, ESPNFC's Mark Lovell reported that Reus' injury wasn't believed to be serious:</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Reus would later return to the bench during the match, per <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundesliga_EN/status/572862990128553985">Bundesliga.com</a>.</span></p>
<p><span>There's no doubt boss Jurgen Klopp will hope to see the German international return to action as soon as possible.</span></p>
<p><span>Dortmund have been suffering something of a dire season in 2014-15, but recent form has seen them win four league games on the bounce, the 25-year-old Reus scoring once in each of those fixtures, per <a href="http://www.whoscored.com/Players/41330/Fixtures/Marco-Reus" target="_blank">WhoScored.com</a>.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:11:19 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383810-marco-reus-injury-updates-on-borussia-dortmund-stars-status-and-return
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383810-marco-reus-injury-updates-on-borussia-dortmund-stars-status-and-returnhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383810-marco-reus-injury-updates-on-borussia-dortmund-stars-status-and-returnSoccerWorld FootballBundesligaBreaking NewsBorussia DortmundArtur DavtyanIs Brock Lesnar Better off Jumping to UFC or Staying with WWE?Team Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/brock-lesnar">Brock <span class="spellcheck">Lesnar</span></a>'s future is very much in the air.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">His ongoing contract negotiations with <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> have <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/3/2/8131779/ufc-184-brock-lesnar-wwe-vince-mcmahon-mma">reportedly turned into drama</a>&nbsp;as per SB Nation's Bloody Elbow column.&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck">Lesnar</span>'s appearance at UFC 184 gives credence to the possibility of him leaving <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span>.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">So should he stay or should he go?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisIsNasty">Big Nasty</a>&nbsp;break it down in the video above!</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:08:09 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383814-is-brock-lesnar-better-off-jumping-to-ufc-or-staying-with-wwe
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383814-is-brock-lesnar-better-off-jumping-to-ufc-or-staying-with-wwehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383814-is-brock-lesnar-better-off-jumping-to-ufc-or-staying-with-wwePro WrestlingWWEBrock LesnarOpinionVlade Divac Joins Kings Front Office: Latest Details, Comments and ReactionTyler Conway<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Continuing their organizational overhaul under owner Vivek Ranadive, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/sacramento-kings">Sacramento Kings</a> named former center <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/vlade-divac">Vlade Divac</a> their vice president of basketball and franchise operations Tuesday. &nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>&ldquo;With an unparalleled philanthropic track record that spans the globe, Vlade Divac is the epitome of our&nbsp;<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nba">NBA</a> 3.0&nbsp;philosophy,&rdquo; Ranadive <a href="http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings-name-vlade-divac-vice-president-bball-franchise-operations">said in a statement</a>. &ldquo;He has a unique perspective and global stature that will only further elevate our organization around the world.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Divac, 47, played for the Kings from 1998 to 2004, making an All-Star team in 2001 and helping lead the franchise to its longest run of sustained success in Sacramento. The team never missed the playoffs in Divac's six seasons and came within a win of earning an NBA Finals berth in 2002. The Kings retired Divac's No. 21 in 2009.</p>
<p>Per the release, Divac said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It&rsquo;s a great honor returning to the city that has provided a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Sacramento and the Kings organization were always in my thoughts and I often dreamed of having a role in helping our amazing fans realize the ultimate NBA prize. I&rsquo;m thankful to Vivek for the opportunity and look forward to creating more special memories here.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Since his retirement,&nbsp;</span>Divac has served as an international scout for the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, the head of operations for Spanish club Real Madrid and the president of the&nbsp;<span id="Serbian_Olympic_Committee" class="mw-headline">Serbian Olympic Committee. His hiring continues a franchise-wide revamping that's taken place since Ranadive became a majority owner in 2013. He has hired general manager Pete D'Alessandro, hired&mdash;and then fired&mdash;head coach Mike Malone, brought in George Karl as Malone's replacement and made a number of other internal changes.</span></p>
<p><span id="Serbian_Olympic_Committee" class="mw-headline">The on-court product has yet to show the fruits of that labor. Sacramento enters Tuesday night 20-37 and will miss the playoffs for the ninth straight year, barring a miracle. It's unclear how much say Divac will have in the Kings' day-to-day operations, but at the very least, Ranadive's latest hire will remind fans of a time when this franchise was at the top, rather than the bottom, of the Western Conference.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span id="Serbian_Olympic_Committee" class="mw-headline"><em>Follow Tyler Conway (<a href="https://twitter.com/tylerconway22">@tylerconway22</a>) on Twitter.</em><br></span></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:06:32 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383778-vlade-divac-joins-kings-front-office-latest-details-comments-and-reaction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383778-vlade-divac-joins-kings-front-office-latest-details-comments-and-reactionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383778-vlade-divac-joins-kings-front-office-latest-details-comments-and-reactionBasketballNBANBA PacificSacramento KingsVlade DivacBreaking NewsPower Ranking the Top 2015 NFL Free-Agents Who Eluded the Franchise Tag Team Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Heading into 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> free agency there are still plenty of superstar free agents who avoided getting franchise-tagged.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Which players can make the biggest impact next year? Who was fortunate to avoid getting tagged?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/adamlefkoe">Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span></a> and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst <a href="http://www.twitter.com/csimmsQB">Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span></a> discuss 2015 NFL free agency in the video above.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:04:47 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383793-power-ranking-the-top-2015-nfl-free-agents-who-eluded-the-franchise-tag
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383793-power-ranking-the-top-2015-nfl-free-agents-who-eluded-the-franchise-taghttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383793-power-ranking-the-top-2015-nfl-free-agents-who-eluded-the-franchise-tagNFLOpinionTeam Stream NowBrowns, Colts and Cowboys Among Top Landing Spots for Free Agent DeMarco MurrayTeam Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Running back <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/demarco-murray"><span class="spellcheck">DeMarco</span> Murray</a> is set to become a free agent.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Where are potential landing spots for Murray? Could he end up back with the Cowboys?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span> and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span> discuss Murray's landing spots in the video above.</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:01:04 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383723-browns-colts-and-cowboys-among-top-landing-spots-for-free-agent-demarco-murray
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383723-browns-colts-and-cowboys-among-top-landing-spots-for-free-agent-demarco-murrayhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383723-browns-colts-and-cowboys-among-top-landing-spots-for-free-agent-demarco-murrayNFLOpinionDeMarco MurrayWas Brian Shaw Just a Scapegoat for Denver Nuggets Front Office?Dan Favale<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Nearly two full seasons into a drastic and unforeseen demise, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> have decided to hold head coach <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/brian-shaw">Brian Shaw</a> accountable for all their misgivings.</p>
<p>That includes any mistakes their front office made.</p>
<p>As first told to&nbsp;<em>The Denver Post</em>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/dempseypost/status/572808966620618752" target="_blank">Christopher Dempsey</a> and later confirmed by Yahoo Sports' <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/572809155620294657" target="_blank">Adrian Wojnarowski</a>, the Nuggets fired Shaw on Thursday with the team sitting 19 games under .500, miles outside of the Western Conference's playoff race.</p>
<p>Although there is never any one reason why an <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nba">NBA</a> team dispatches its head coach, the timing here is telling. There is no measurable incentive to firing Shaw now, almost three-quarters of the way through his second season at the helm. To make a change this big, this late, the situation must be dire.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>For the Nuggets, the situation is exactly that. They own one of the league's <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tsl_finder.cgi?request=1&amp;match=combined&amp;type=team_totals&amp;lg_id=NBA&amp;year_min=2014&amp;year_max=2015&amp;franch_id=&amp;c1stat=&amp;c1comp=gt&amp;c1val=&amp;c2stat=&amp;c2comp=gt&amp;c2val=&amp;c3stat=&amp;c3comp=gt&amp;c3val=&amp;c4stat=&amp;c4comp=gt&amp;c4val=&amp;order_by=win_loss_pct" target="_blank">10-worst records</a> since hiring Shaw, devolving into a two-way disaster that barely resembles the 57-win outfit from 2012-13.</p>
<p>But such nosedives are never one-person efforts. Shaw is not alone in any wrongdoing. As ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne suggests, he's collateral damage to a certain degree:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/indiana-pacers">Indiana Pacers</a>&nbsp;forward&nbsp;<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/david-west">David West</a>, who played under Shaw while the latter was an assistant in Indiana, took a similar, albeit less nuanced, stance.</p>
<p>"That's b******t," he said of Shaw's firing, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottAgness/status/572822756879945728" target="_blank">Scott Agness</a> of Vigilant Sports. "No grownups on the roster. You can't win without grownups."</p>
<p>Indeed, the motives and subsequent execution of the Nuggets' front office these past couple years are nothing if not confusing.</p>
<p>Head coach George Karl was shown the door during the 2013 offseason after leading Denver to its <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DEN/" target="_blank">third-highest winning percentage</a> in franchise history and being awarded Coach of the Year honors. His departure was compounded by general manager Masai Ujiri's exit. The Nuggets watched as he shuffled off to the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/toronto-raptors">Toronto Raptors</a>.</p>
<p>Shaw was named Karl's successor soon after, a curious hire if there ever was one. The Nuggets blitzed their way to 57 victories the previous season, running at the league's <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?Season=2012-13&amp;sort=PACE&amp;dir=1" target="_blank">second-fastest pace</a>. But Shaw was a branch off Phil Jackson's coaching tree, a triangle offense enthusiast who placed a premium on plodding half-court sets that began inside the post.</p>
<p>Running the rock through frontcourt players, <a href="http://www.roundballminingcompany.com/2013/10/08/can-brian-shaw-help-javale-mcgee-transform-into-a-more-conventional-center/" target="_blank">specifically JaVale McGee</a>, became top priority. Never mind that the Nuggets were built to run and employed a star-level point guard in <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ty-lawson">Ty Lawson</a>. The ball would be taken out of his hands and thrown into the low post, where Denver would grind its way to victory, adhering to more traditional tenets.</p>
<p>Except the Nuggets' on-court personnel has never once embodied tradition. They've never made any wholesale changes to the roster. Not ones that advanced a new identity.</p>
<p>They signed the explosive Nate Robinson. They said goodbye to the uber-athletic&nbsp;<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/andre-iguodala">Andre Iguodala</a>. They reacquired and re-dealt Arron Afflalo. They traded Timofey Mozgov and McGee. They invested tens of millions of dollars in <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/kenneth-faried">Kenneth Faried</a>, a high-octane forward with virtually no interior presence on offense.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>So of course this experiment failed. Of all the tweaks and twists the Nuggets endorsed, not one of them kept in theme with a more time-honored, slow-paced style.</p>
<p>Injuries were thought to be the culprit at first. Wilson Chandler, Lawson and Robinson all missed at least 20 games in 2013-14, and Danilo Gallinari didn't play at all. J.J. Hickson even tore his right ACL in late March 2014, adding further insult to Denver's growing list of injuries.</p>
<p>Last season, then, was viewed as an aberration. Healthy and still brimming with individual talent, the Nuggets projected as one of the many teams that would contend for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot now.</p>
<p>But the disparity between who the Nuggets are and who they want to be still exists. And Shaw himself recognized this and compromised, embracing a more fast-paced brand of basketball.</p>
<p>The Nuggets&nbsp;<a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?Season=2013-14&amp;sort=PACE&amp;dir=1" target="_blank">ranked third in pace</a> for 2013-14 and are inside the <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?sort=PACE&amp;dir=1" target="_blank">top five</a> this season. Their spacing is poor, but they rank <a href="http://stats.nba.com/playtype/#!/post-up/?dir=1&amp;PT=team&amp;sort=Time" target="_blank">middle of the road</a> in post-up frequency, so Shaw has not been forcing tired methods unto a team ill-fit to install them.</p>
<p>At the same time, Shaw has been culpable in the Nuggets downswing. They <a href="http://stats.nba.com/league/team/#!/advanced/?sort=OFF_RATING&amp;dir=1" target="_blank">rank 24th</a> in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency, and there has been a disconnect brewing between the coach and his team.</p>
<p>Not only has Shaw <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/lunchspecial/ci_27449493/nuggets-brian-shaw-suspects-players-may-be-trying" target="_blank">frequently berated his players</a>, but the players themselves have not shied away from questioning the sideline leadership. Veteran point guard Jameer Nelson voiced his concerns back in January, per Dempsey:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Things have been even worse in recent weeks.&nbsp;Shaw admitted to reading books that would help him relate to Millennials during an interview with Turner Sports' <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2361115-nuggets-coach-brian-shaw-resorts-to-reading-books-on-relating-to-millenials" target="_blank">Rachel Nichols</a>, and the Nuggets were heard seemingly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/dempsey/ci_27618378/hey-cancun-here-come-nuggets" target="_blank">counting down the weeks</a> until this season ended while exiting a huddle on Friday, a development Shaw refuted, <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_27625828/nuggets-deny-six-weeks-phrase-meant-they-were?source=rss" target="_blank">according to Dempsey</a>.</p>
<p>All of that is on top of Denver's on-court warts. Shaw may have adapted the speed and focal points of the offense to best suit the talent on hand, but the Nuggets have no identity, a direct result of their coach's indecision and flip-flopping between philosophies.</p>
<p>Bleacher Report's Fred Katz expands:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It's ultimately on the coach to make the best of his team's situation. Deficient work ethic implies flawed guidance, something that falls entirely on Shaw.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Then again, he's been out of his comfort zone from the jump, practicing a style he isn't meant to preach, coaching players he isn't programmed to lead. And to that end, the Nuggets won't necessarily be better off without him.</p>
<p>A lengthy rebuilding process awaits. The Nuggets have sold off chunks of their core and will now start over, attempting to undo the mess they had a hand in making&mdash;a mess they haven't even come close to cleaning by firing Shaw.</p>
<p>He was only part of the problem.</p>
<p>The rest falls on Denver.</p>
<p>For as much as Shaw failed the Nuggets, the front office failed him.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>*Stats courtesy of <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com" target="_blank">Basketball-Reference</a> and <a href="http://stats.nba.com/?ls=nbacom" target="_blank">NBA.com</a> and are accurate leading into games for March 3.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:58:58 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383626-was-brian-shaw-just-a-scapegoat-for-denver-nuggets-front-office
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383626-was-brian-shaw-just-a-scapegoat-for-denver-nuggets-front-officehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383626-was-brian-shaw-just-a-scapegoat-for-denver-nuggets-front-officeBasketballNBANBA NorthwestDenver NuggetsOpinionBrian ShawDenzel Nkemdiche Injury: Updates on Ole Miss LB's Ankle and RecoveryMike Chiari<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche's 2014 season reached a premature conclusion, but the Ole Miss star appears poised to be a key part of the Rebels' defense during the upcoming campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Continue for updates.</p><hr><h2>Nkemdiche Ready to Return to Field</h2><h4>Tuesday, March 3</h4><p>A <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11773345/ole-miss-loses-denzel-nkemdiche-ankle-season">broken ankle</a> forced Nkemdiche to sit out the final five games last season; however, the senior star is already healthy enough to return.</p><p>According to Hugh Kellenberger of&nbsp;<em>The Jackson Clarion-Ledger</em>, Mississippi head coach Hugh Freeze revealed that the veteran linebacker is prepared to take part in spring football immediately:</p><p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p><p>The Rebels ranked No. 1 in the country defensively last season as they allowed just 16 points per game. Nkemdiche was a big part of that, and it is no coincidence that TCU gashed Ole Miss for 42 points in the Chick-fil-A Bowl without him in the lineup.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If the Rebels are going to be a factor in the SEC this season, then Nkemdiche and the defense will once again have to perform at an elite level in 2015.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeChiari">@MikeChiari</a> on Twitter</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:58:52 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383788-denzel-nkemdiche-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-lbs-ankle-and-recovery
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383788-denzel-nkemdiche-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-lbs-ankle-and-recoveryhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383788-denzel-nkemdiche-injury-updates-on-ole-miss-lbs-ankle-and-recoveryNCAACollege FootballSEC FootballOle Miss FootballBreaking NewsCorey Grant, Auburn RB, Says He Ran Official 4.26 40-Yard Dash at Tigers Pro DayMike Chiari<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Corey Grant didn't receive much hype as an <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> prospect following the 2014 season at Auburn, but the running back dazzled scouts with his blazing speed at the Tigers pro day Tuesday. &nbsp;</p>
<p>According to Knox Bardeen of FoxSports.com, the Opelika, Alabama, native was told he ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.26 seconds:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Here is video of Grant's awesome feat, courtesy of WRBL<span>.com's&nbsp;</span>Dayne Young:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Grant was not invited to last month's NFL Scouting Combine, but he would have been the fastest prospect there, as UAB wide receiver J.J. Nelson paced the 40 in Indianapolis with a time of 4.28 seconds, per <a href="http://www.nfl.com/combine/tracker">NFL.com</a>.</p>
<p>Despite his speed, Grant was largely utilized as a complementary rusher at Auburn. He carried the ball just 135 times during his career, but he made the most of those touches. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2014, but even more impressively, he churned out nearly 10 yards per tote in 2013, as he racked up 647 yards.</p>
<p>While Grant was certainly effective, he is unheralded at the same time. That is evidenced by the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport's reaction to the news of his 40-yard dash performance:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>During the lead-up to Auburn's pro day, Grant talked about his goal of surprising observers by getting selected in the draft earlier than expected, according to <a href="http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2015/01/21/grant-taking-different-route-realize-nfl-dreams/22131155/">Duane Rankin</a> of&nbsp;<em>The Montgomery Advertiser</em>:&nbsp;"You've probably seen over the past years some guys slip up in the draft and you're like, 'Where did they come from? Who are they?' Hopefully this year, maybe I can be one of those guys."</p>
<p><span>Grant may have been the best-kept secret in the 2015 NFL draft class, but that is no longer the case after what happened Tuesday.</span></p>
<p><span>Talent evaluators are well aware of his name at this point, but there is no guarantee that elite, straight-line speed will equate to favorable draft positioning.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeChiari">@MikeChiari</a> on Twitter.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:55:26 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383753-corey-grant-auburn-rb-says-he-ran-official-426-40-yard-dash-at-tigers-pro-day
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383753-corey-grant-auburn-rb-says-he-ran-official-426-40-yard-dash-at-tigers-pro-dayhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383753-corey-grant-auburn-rb-says-he-ran-official-426-40-yard-dash-at-tigers-pro-dayNFL DraftFootballNFLBreaking News2015 NFL DraftAtlanta Falcons New Stadium: Latest Details, Photos, CommentsTimothy Rapp<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> have released new photos showing the construction progress of their new stadium as the team and its fans continue to look forward to their new digs.</p>
<p>New Atlanta Stadium on Twitter shared the following:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Meanwhile, in January the team posted the following video highlighting the stadium's location and the various features it will boast upon completion.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>According to <a href="http://newstadium.atlantafalcons.com/overview/">the team's website</a>, the new stadium can be expanded to either a capacity&nbsp;<span>75,000 or even 83,000, depending on the size of the event. The stadium will have a retractable roof, allowing a floor-to-roof window in the northeast corner the stadium that will allow natural sunlight in and give fans a view of the skyline.</span></p>
<p><span>The stadium will also feature a 58-foot tall, 360-degree high definition video halo board, a 100-yard bar on the third concourse that stretches the length of the field and a technology lounge, along with the standard club seating and suites that have become so popular in modern stadiums.</span></p>
<p><span>The team has also partnered with IBM on the project.</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>It's an ambitious undertaking, but both fans and the team have to be thrilled with the plans being drawn up and the aspirations for the new building. Atlanta's new <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> and MLS stadium has all the makings of being a world-class venue.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TRappaRT" target="_blank"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" alt="Follow TRappaRT on Twitter"></a></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:44:53 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383748-atlanta-falcons-new-stadium-latest-details-photos-comments
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383748-atlanta-falcons-new-stadium-latest-details-photos-commentshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383748-atlanta-falcons-new-stadium-latest-details-photos-commentsFootballNFLNFC SouthAtlanta FalconsBreaking NewsBuy or Sell: Breaking Down Biggest Storylines from Monday Night RawTeam Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The build for <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span>'s biggest show of the year, WrestleMania 31, continued as <a href="http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-03-02/wwe-raw-results-27159209">Monday Night Raw</a>&nbsp;emanated from Newark, New Jersey, on March 2.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Did Jon Stewart's guest appearance help build the looming Seth Rollins vs.&nbsp;<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/randy-orton">Randy Orton</a> feud? &nbsp;Was "AxelMania" running wild on Newark? &nbsp;Did Paul <span class="spellcheck">Heyman</span> do enough to help sell the WrestleMania main event?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as Bleacher Report Pro Wrestling Analyst <a href="https://twitter.com/DanPecoraro86">Dan <span class="spellcheck">Pecoraro</span></a> buys or sells the biggest <span class="spellcheck">storylines</span> coming out of Raw in the video above.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><em>Some photos used and modified courtesy of <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span>.com.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:31:22 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383720-buy-or-sell-breaking-down-biggest-story-lines-from-monday-night-raw
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383720-buy-or-sell-breaking-down-biggest-story-lines-from-monday-night-rawhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383720-buy-or-sell-breaking-down-biggest-story-lines-from-monday-night-rawPro WrestlingWWEOpinionTeam Stream NowThe Most Critical Spring for Georgia HC Mark Richt Since 2011Barrett Sallee<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">In 2011, Georgia head coach <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/mark-richt">Mark Richt</a> entered the offseason on one of the hottest seats in America.</p>
<p>Fresh off a two-year span that saw the Bulldogs go 14-12, including a 6-7 mark in 2010, Georgia had to win and win&nbsp;<em>right now</em>.</p>
<p>It didn't.</p>
<p>Back-to-back losses to Boise State and South Carolina turned Richt's seat from hot to scorching before the Bulldogs rattled off 10 straight wins and claimed the SEC East title.</p>
<p>Richt won't enter this spring's practice session on the hot seat, but the next 15 practices in Athens represent the most important camp since he was coaching for his job in 2011.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Into the Great Wide Open</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Even when Richt was coaching for this job, his quarterback position was set with then-sophomore Aaron Murray. Even after Murray left, it was a foregone conclusion from the moment the 2013 season wrapped up that Hutson Mason would be the guy.</p>
<p>Now, it's a mystery.</p>
<p>Junior <span class="spellcheck">Faton</span> <span class="spellcheck">Bauta</span>, sophomore Brice Ramsey and freshman Jacob Park will square off for the top spot on the depth chart, and Richt admits that it's as unstable as it has been in quite some time.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>"It's just a lot of work to be done between now and that first game and a lot of competition to happen," he told Ryan Black of the <em><a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2015/02/27/3588795_richt-says-georgias-qb-job-wide.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy" target="_blank">(Columbus, Georgia) Ledger-Enquirer</a>.</em>&nbsp;"You know, the quarterback position is as wide-open as it's ever been since I've been at Georgia probably. It's going to be an interesting battle I would say."</p>
<p>Ramsey played well during limited action last season, particularly in mop-up duty vs. Kentucky when he went 5-of-5 for 80 yards and a touchdown. In the <span class="spellcheck">Belk</span> Bowl, following Mason's injury, he did enough (4-of-9) to keep enough pressure off running back Nick <span class="spellcheck">Chubb</span> and help lead Georgia to a 37-14 win.</p>
<p>At best, Richt needs to name a starter following spring practice, and at worst, the battle needs to be cut to two so that the trio of signal-callers aren't all splitting snaps during offseason conditioning and the early stages of fall camp.</p>
<p>With wide receivers Chris Conley and Michael Bennett gone, receivers like Justin Scott-Wesley, Malcolm Mitchell and others need to get as many reps with the eventual winner as possible during the offseason, and narrowing the competition down quickly is a good way to do that.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>More Money, More Problems</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Georgia has made it clear this offseason that it isn't going to mess around anymore and let the rest of the SEC lap it in the financial arms race.</p>
<p>Richt got a <a href="http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/012115aac.html" target="_blank">raise and a two-year extension</a> that will pay him $4 million per year, $800,000 more than he made in 2014. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt got a bump from $850,000 to $1.3 million. New offensive coordinator Brian <span class="spellcheck">Schottenheimer</span> came to Athens for a cool $950,000, which is $375,000 more than his predecessor, Mike <span class="spellcheck">Bobo</span>, made last year, according to Seth Emerson of the&nbsp;<em>The (Macon, Georgia) Telegraph&nbsp;</em>(via the <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2015/01/15/3515954/schottenheimers-salary-released.html"><em>Ledger-Enquirer</em></a>).</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>What's more, Georgia's version of a unicorn&mdash;<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/college/indoor-practice-facility-could-cost-uga-30-million/nkC6Y/" target="_blank">an indoor practice facility</a>&mdash;appears to be moving forward after years of work from Richt and his staff.</p>
<p>That's all great news for Richt, his staff and everybody associated with the program. It also means, though, that the status <span class="spellcheck">quo</span> might not cut it for long.</p>
<p>Georgia won back-to-back SEC East titles in 2011 and 2012, but even in those years, the inexplicable loss is something that has haunted Richt during his career. Last year, that came on the First Coast in Jacksonville, Florida, when the Bulldogs fell to rival Florida 38-20 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicated.</p>
<p>A bigger investment in the program and Richt, in particular, means expectations have been raised, and Georgia missing out on the SEC Championship Game due to bizarre losses won't be acceptable for much longer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Is This the End?</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The new edition of the SEC East will look much different than it has in years past, as the days of the East being down are coming to an end.</p>
<p>Tennessee has turned into a recruiting machine under third-year head coach Butch Jones, reeling in top-10 classes in each of the last two seasons. The young Vols earned a bowl berth following the 2014 season for the first time since 2010 and return virtually all of the pieces of a team that improved tremendously from Game 1 through Game 13 last year.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Florida has attempted to solve its offensive problems by ditching former head coach <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/will-muschamp">Will <span class="spellcheck">Muschamp</span></a> in favor of Jim <span class="spellcheck">McElwain</span>, who's well-schooled on how to move the football in a variety of ways. Talent has never been an issue in <span class="spellcheck">Gainesville</span>, and the Gators&mdash;who typically have been competitive with Georgia even in down years&mdash;won't be down for long.</p>
<p>Missouri has quietly established itself as a division power, and South Carolina, despite several issues, has still had Georgia's number in four of the last five years.</p>
<p>Richt knows that the window to waltz through the division is closing in a hurry, and while his program will always be competitive, if he doesn't take advantage soon, the early part of this decade will undoubtedly go down as a missed opportunity for the Bulldogs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and college football video analyst for Bleacher Report as well as a host on Bleacher Report Radio on Sirius 93, <span class="spellcheck">XM</span> 208.</em></p>
<p><em>Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com" target="_blank"><span class="spellcheck">CFBStats</span>.com</a> unless otherwise noted, and all recruiting information is courtesy of <a href="http://www.247sports.com" target="_blank">247Sports'</a> composite rankings. Follow Barrett on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/barrettsallee" target="_blank">@<span class="spellcheck">BarrettSallee</span></a>.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:26:55 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383642-the-most-critical-spring-for-georgia-hc-mark-richt-since-2011
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383642-the-most-critical-spring-for-georgia-hc-mark-richt-since-2011http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383642-the-most-critical-spring-for-georgia-hc-mark-richt-since-2011NCAACollege FootballSEC FootballGeorgia Bulldogs FootballMark RichtOpinionRaiders, Colts and Eagles Among Best Landing Spots for Sack Artist Greg HardyTeam Stream Now<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p><p class="ui-droppable">Greg Hardy still remains on the commissioner's exempt list but is primed to make big money in free agency if he is removed from the list.</p><p class="ui-droppable">Which teams are most likely to target Hardy? Where is his playing style best suited?</p><p class="ui-droppable">Watch as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/adamlefkoe">Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span></a> and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/csimmsQB">Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span></a> discuss Hardy's future in the video above.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:23:44 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383730-raiders-colts-and-eagles-among-best-landing-spots-for-sack-artist-greg-hardy
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383730-raiders-colts-and-eagles-among-best-landing-spots-for-sack-artist-greg-hardyhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383730-raiders-colts-and-eagles-among-best-landing-spots-for-sack-artist-greg-hardyNFLOpinion50 Cent Says Floyd Mayweather Will 'Smoke' Manny Pacquiao, Will Bet $1.6 MillionKyle Newport<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">When it comes to the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao showdown, rapper 50 Cent is pretty confident as to who is going to come out victorious. So confident, in fact, that he's going to put a nice chunk of change on the fight.</p>
<p>50 Cent discussed the upcoming bout <span>during a recent interview on </span><em>The Breakfast Club</em><span> on New York's Power 105.1, and he nonchalantly revealed&nbsp;</span>how much money he's willing to risk on it.</p>
<p><strong>Warning: Video may contain NSFW language.</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>If 50 Cent is right, there are going to be a lot of disappointed boxing fans.</p>
<p>[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U0kA9l4Zwg">105.1 Breakfast Club</a>]</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:15:38 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383714-50-cent-says-floyd-mayweather-will-smoke-manny-pacquiao-will-bet-16-million
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383714-50-cent-says-floyd-mayweather-will-smoke-manny-pacquiao-will-bet-16-millionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383714-50-cent-says-floyd-mayweather-will-smoke-manny-pacquiao-will-bet-16-millionBoxingBreaking NewsTerrell Hall Commits to Ohio State: How 4-Star DE Fits Buckeyes Defense Tyler Donohue<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Ohio State secured its seventh commitment of the 2016 recruiting cycle Monday evening, as defensive end <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Terrell-Hall-36515">Terrell Hall</a>&nbsp;announced his intentions to become a Buckeye:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The 4-star Washington, D.C., prospect spent time in Columbus earlier this winter. The timing of that visit worked perfectly in <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/urban-meyer">Urban Meyer</a>'s favor, as Hall was on campus during the program's Jan. 24 national championship celebration.</p>
<p>His list of alternative college options has rapidly expanded since then, with offers arriving from Texas A&amp;M, Ole Miss, Wisconsin, Virginia and Michigan last month. Hall ultimately chose Ohio State over nearly 30 schools.</p>
<p>The 6'5", 250-pound playmaker is rated ninth nationally among weak-side defensive ends. He was a second-team <a href="http://www.dmvelite.com/news/2014-dmvelite-all-dmv-football-team">All-DMV</a> selection (comprised of players from D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia) last season at St. John's.</p>
<p>Hall competes with respectable passion, displaying relentless pursuit en route to the ball. His physical frame indicates natural talent and dedication to training, setting the stage for him to arrive on campus in 2016 with a college-ready build.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>He provides an excellent complement for sleeker 2016 Ohio State commit&nbsp;<a class="bold" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jonathon-Cooper-43496">Jonathon Cooper</a>, a 6'3", 215-pound prospect who pledged to the Buckeyes last fall. The duo are high-value pickups for veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who will look to utilize them uniquely on the edge.</p>
<p>Hall is impressive off the snap, providing an immediate dent in the offensive backfield with the way he fires through. He exhibits excellent lateral agility at his stature, and elite length allows him to clog lanes or get grips on the quarterback even as an opposing blocker maintains contact.</p>
<p>If you're looking for a defender who plays determined with a "high motor," Hall fits the bill. His efforts help cut off outside lanes for rushers and free up space as linebackers maneuver behind him.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Ohio State lands a commit who could be counted on to immediately contribute in the defensive rotation as a true freshman. Hall is another impressive early pickup for a <a href="http://ohiostate.247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/Commits">Buckeyes class</a> that now features six 4-star pledges and 5-star running back&nbsp;<a class="bold" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kareem-Walker-37417">Kareem Walker</a>.</p>
<p>Meyer continues to capitalize on the momentum of his third national title, assembling a 2016 crop of prospects that now rates fifth nationally in 247Sports' <a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeTeamRankings">composite class rankings</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Recruit ratings courtesy of <a href="http://247sports.com/">247Sports</a>.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:06:22 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383622-terrell-hall-commits-to-ohio-state-how-4-star-de-fits-buckeyes-defense
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383622-terrell-hall-commits-to-ohio-state-how-4-star-de-fits-buckeyes-defensehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383622-terrell-hall-commits-to-ohio-state-how-4-star-de-fits-buckeyes-defenseNCAACollege FootballBig Ten FootballOhio State FootballBreaking NewsCollege Football RecruitingThe 3 Mistakes NFL Teams Can Avoid to Prevent a Disaster in 2015 Free AgencyTeam Stream Now<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> fans are excited to see what additions their teams make in 2015 free agency, but there are many reasons to be cautious.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">What can teams learn from last year? Where should money be spent more wisely?</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Watch as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/adamlefkoe">Adam <span class="spellcheck">Lefkoe</span></a>&nbsp;and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst <a href="http://www.twitter.com/csimmsQB">Chris <span class="spellcheck">Simms</span></a> discuss NFL free agency in the video above.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:04:42 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383650-the-3-mistakes-nfl-teams-can-avoid-to-prevent-a-disaster-in-2015-free-agency
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383650-the-3-mistakes-nfl-teams-can-avoid-to-prevent-a-disaster-in-2015-free-agencyhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383650-the-3-mistakes-nfl-teams-can-avoid-to-prevent-a-disaster-in-2015-free-agencyNFLOpinion2015 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Top Prospects Heading into Pro DaysNate Loop<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">If the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> combine didn't leave draft junkies with enough numbers, film and media takes to analyze, have no fear: The pro days are here.<br><br>The likes of Virginia, Minnesota, Tennessee-Chattanooga and Wake Forest kicked off the March gauntlet on Monday, bringing the draft back into focus after a brief lull following the combine. With big-time programs such as Clemson, Ole Miss and Arizona State set to unleash their best football prospects in just the first week of action, the NFL draft chatter is only going to ratchet up, not subside.<br><br><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000471580/article/2015-pro-days-schedule">NFL.com</a> has a nifty schedule for pro-day aficionados to follow, complete with updates as each day concludes. While many players' pro prospects are likely to change in the coming days and weeks, now is as good a time as any to make some predictions on where the top players currently stand.<br><br>Here's a look at a first-round mock as the pro-day frenzy begins.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br></strong></span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Players with Something to Prove at Early Pro Days</strong></span><br><br></span><span>While the likes of Virginia's&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.richmond.com/sports/college/football/article_9c82d3ec-b187-5021-a7f7-5b5a6fa478f2.html">Eli Harold</a>&nbsp;<span>and Minnesota's&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000475854/article/maxx-williams-pro-day-proved-my-combine-wasnt-a-fluke"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Maxx</span></span></span> Williams&nbsp;</a><span>have already put together impressive pro-day performances to back up their combine showings, they're just two of the elite prospects who have been bandied about by the media for quite some time. Both can and should get drafted in the first round.</span><br><br>The pro days are a fine time for fans to get acquainted with the players who might be on the fringes of the first or second round and an even better opportunity for scouts to unearth hidden gems who might be available in the later rounds of the draft. There are also plenty of big-name players who dazzled in college but haven't yet received much attention in the draft cycle.&nbsp;<br><br>With that in mind, let's take a quick look at a few of the top prospects with something to prove at the early pro days.</p>
<p><br><strong>March 4: Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Mississippi State's Preston Smith certainly <a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Kiper-MSUs-Preston-Smith-Could-Be-Intriguing-for-Dallas-294243661.html">turned heads </a>at the NFL combine, but there is another defensive end set to go to work on Wednesday hoping to catch scouts' attention.<br><br>Trey Flowers is a bit of an enigma at defensive end, mainly owing to his less than ideal 6'2", 266-pound frame. The dreaded "tweener" label has killed many a draft prospect's stock, but Flowers will be hoping to break the mold with a strong performance at Arkansas' pro day.<br><br>The Razorbacks proved to be one of the scrappiest teams in the SEC last season, due in no small part to the efforts of players such as Flowers. He racked up 68 total tackles (15.5 for loss), six sacks and six pass deflections in 2014. Those stats are impressive and show Flowers is a workhorse player, but he hasn't drawn the same amount of attention as other top-tier defensive ends due to his lack of explosiveness on the pass rush.&nbsp;<strong><br></strong></p>
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<p>Flowers will certainly have to answer questions about his ability to collapse the pocket and run the circle at the next level, but NFL teams looking for a committed, versatile prospect might want to pay close attention to Flowers, who prides himself on defending the run, per Drew <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Davison</span></span></span> of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article10555292.html"><em>Forth Worth Star-Telegram</em></a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Just playing in the SEC, one of the big-time conferences, playing defensive end at that level, you have to be a dominant run stopper. It&rsquo;s a running league. You got the <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Alabamas</span></span></span>, the <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">LSUs</span></span></span>, the big-time running offenses, so just to be able to be a dominant defense, you&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">ve</span></span></span> got to be able to stop the run. So that&rsquo;s one of the things I pride myself in. One of the most memorable moments would be the shutouts against LSU and Ole Miss and the Texas Bowl, just holding [the University of Texas] to 59 yards total. Just being that dominant defense and knowing you were a part of that is big-time.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With so many defensive end prospects lauded for their abilities to get to the quarterback, Flowers might be able to carve out a space in the second round as an edge-rusher who can play both the run and the pass.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>March 5: <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Ameer</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span>, RB, Nebraska</strong></p>
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<p>In the pass-happy NFL, running backs have taken a hit as a group when it comes to the draft. Injuries are common, the window for productivity is short with the dreaded 30-year-old barrier, and a good offensive line can make some running backs seem completely interchangeable.&nbsp;<br><br>While Georgia's Todd <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Gurley</span></span></span> and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon have drawn plenty of attention for their potential to break into the first round, the conversations regarding other running back prospects have fallen by the wayside.&nbsp;<br><br>Nebraska's <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Ameer</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span> put in a fine 2014 campaign, rushing for 1,610 yards and 19 touchdowns on a robust average of 6.1 yards per carry. However, his <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/player/463/1040556/rushing/gamelog.html">production slowed</a> as the season went along, a major issue for a running back looking to impress in his final year before the draft. Still, some observers aren't going to soon forget the lightning bug's weaving runs through big-time college defenses from the first half of the season.</p>
<p>NFL.com editor Chris <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Trapasso</span></span></span> likes his ability to make players miss:</p>
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<p>NFL Draft Geek believes <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span> compares favorably to St. Louis' <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Tre</span></span></span> Mason, who rushed for 765 yards in 12 games as a rookie:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>At just 5'9", <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span> will likely have to answer questions about his size and durability. His&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824308/ameer-abdullah">4.60-second</a><span>&nbsp;40-yard dash at the combine may have scouts concerned about his ability to be a big-play threat at the next level without a bigger frame.</span><br><br>If <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span> can drop his 40 time and wow scouts at his pro day with his agility, some teams might be willing to ignore those size concerns and start including <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Abdullah</span></span></span> in the same conversations as <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Gurley</span></span></span> and Gordon.<br>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>March 6: Marcus <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hardison</span></span></span>, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">DT</span></span></span>, Arizona State</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Of all the mountainous defensive linemen prospects this year, Marcus <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hardison</span></span></span> could be the biggest sleeper. <span>CBS Sports' has him ranked just outside the top 100 overall prospects.</span>&nbsp;The bullish defensive tackle racked up <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/player/28/1054214/index.html">10 sacks</a>&nbsp;and 15 tackles for loss in 2014, excellent numbers for a player who often had to work with two offensive linemen in his face on any given play.</p>
<p>As a mauler who can play anywhere along the defensive line, one would think <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hardison</span></span></span> might be getting more attention this spring. His status as a former junior college player might have kept him from getting on teams' radars, but some media analysts are certainly taking notice.</p>
<p><span><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">NEPatriotsDraft</span></span></span>.com's Mike <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Loyko</span></span></span> might be rethinking his initial impressions of <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hardison</span></span></span>:</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">DraftBreakdown</span></span></span>.com's Justin <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Higdon</span></span></span> believes he could surprise some at the next level:</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hardison</span></span></span> was unable to participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine, per Alex Espinoza of <a href="http://pac-12.com/article/2015/02/22/2015-nfl-combine-day-3-leonard-williams-makes-case-no-1-pick"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Pac</span></span></span>-12.com</a>, likely killing some of his draft buzz. As for numbers, he only participated in the 225-pound bench press, putting up a strong&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061036/marcus-hardison">27 reps</a>. His pro day will be crucial for his draft stock, as a poor performance or inability to complete drills could relegate him to the later rounds of the draft.</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:00:53 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383173-2015-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-for-top-prospects-heading-into-pro-days
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383173-2015-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-for-top-prospects-heading-into-pro-dayshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383173-2015-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-for-top-prospects-heading-into-pro-daysFootballNFLPreview/Prediction2015 NFL DraftCurtis Axel's Current Gimmick Is Reviving His WWE Career Ryan Dilbert<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Not getting a chance to enter the Royal Rumble has turned out to be the elixir for Curtis Axel's <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> ailing career.&nbsp;Who would have thought that getting clubbed from behind would lead to rejuvenation?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Axel stumbling into a new gimmick that has him more over than he ever has been is a testament to the unpredictable nature of wrestling success.</p>
<p>After his alliance with Paul <span class="spellcheck">Heyman</span> wound down, Axel found himself at the bottom of the tag team division with <span class="spellcheck">Ryback</span>. When The Big Guy went out with injury, the spotlight did not often touch Axel's skin. He was lucky to appear on Superstars and battle some other struggling <span class="spellcheck">midcarder</span>.</p>
<p>Then came the Royal Rumble, the impetus for the most unexpectedly entertaining angle in 2015 so far.</p>
<p>Axel contends that because Erick Rowan ambushing him that night prevented him from being in the Rumble that he should be the winner of that bout and headline WrestleMania. He will tell anyone who will listen, <span class="spellcheck">online</span> or onscreen, that he was never eliminated:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Beyond him being delusional, he has taken to being exuberantly boastful. His shtick is more over the top than when he was claiming to be "better than perfect."</p>
<p>It's like a wrestler doing an impression of a wrestler.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>He tries to get fans to chant "Axelmania." He provides a running clock for how long he has been in the Rumble match.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>Most recently, he has taken to borrowing <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/hulk-hogan">Hulk Hogan</a>'s signature colors and poses to add depth and ridiculousness to the act.&nbsp;</span>The <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> Universe Twitter account showed him in full-on <span class="spellcheck">Hulkster</span> mode:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Whether <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> came up with this for him or Axel created this version of his persona himself, someone deserves kudos. This is the most entertaining Axel has been.</p>
<p>He's never been strong on the mic. His promos always sounded too rehearsed. This gimmick doesn't require him to be a good actor. Instead, it demands that he play a single note&mdash;but loudly and with great passion.</p>
<p>His severe overvaluing of his own worth invites ridicule and laughter. While that may not sound like what a performer wants, the key to rising in wrestling is a getting a reaction. And Axel is getting more of a reaction now than he did even when he was under <span class="spellcheck">Heyman</span>'s wing.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The last year has been home to surprising takes on the heel role.</p>
<p>The <span class="spellcheck">Miz</span> is a D-lister who believes himself to be an A-lister. Tyson Kidd is a jerk to his wife and loves his cats to the point of audience discomfort. Add Axel to that list of odd villains.</p>
<p>He has found a vehicle for him to connect with the crowd. He has found a path out of blandness. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Mick Foley, for one, believes that big things are ahead for the third-generation Superstar:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>That's not something many folks would have said a few months ago. There also would be no basis to the argument that Axel was the most entertaining part of an edition of Raw. On Monday night, though, by tearing his shirt and tooting his own horn, he made a case for himself to be in that discussion.</p>
<p>The key to keeping this going will be finding a way to adjust this act so that it can live past WrestleMania.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Perhaps he can channel Chris Jericho and claim a conspiracy kept him off the marquee for that event. He can create petitions to get a title shot or continually bug whoever is champ.</p>
<p>Maybe he gets cheated out of entering the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and a new "I was never eliminated" campaign begins.</p>
<p>Whatever path <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> takes, it would be wise to find a way to keep this fire going. It's rare that a wrestler's supply of momentum changes so quickly and with such little effort.</p>
<p>There is more fun to be had with Axel; <span class="spellcheck">WWE</span> can't let the surprise hit of the year just fade away.</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:52:28 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383353-curtis-axels-current-gimmick-is-reviving-his-wwe-career
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383353-curtis-axels-current-gimmick-is-reviving-his-wwe-careerhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383353-curtis-axels-current-gimmick-is-reviving-his-wwe-careerPro WrestlingWWEOpinionHow Kurt Zouma's Capital One Cup Final Display Has Transformed Chelsea's SquadGarry Hayes<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Jose Mourinho's new era of success at <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/chelsea">Chelsea</a> officially started on Sunday when he watched his team lift the Capital One Cup trophy at Wembley.</p>
<p>It was a significant step in the process of transforming the group of players he inherited in 2013 into champions.</p>
<p>They've got that winning feeling now, and the expectation is that they will only go on to claim even more success.</p>
<p>In the process of that 2-0 win over <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tottenham-hotspur">Tottenham Hotspur</a>, Mourinho stumbled upon something equally as important: Kurt Zouma's ability as a defensive midfielder.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Without the suspended Nemanja Matic to boss that area of the pitch, there were big concerns about how Chelsea would cope with a Spurs attack&mdash;one boasting the considerable talents of Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane.</p>
<p>Mourinho had experienced it first hand on New Year's Day when the pair tore through his defence, Kane bagging a brace in a convincing 5-3 victory for Spurs.</p>
<p>Without Matic, questions were raised about Chelsea's ability to cut the supply line from midfield. There was no standout replacement in Mourinho's squad and his hand was forced.</p>
<p>In came Zouma.</p>
<p>It's been a remarkable 2015 for the French youngster, who is now considered a genuine contender with Gary Cahill for a place alongside <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/john-terry">John Terry</a> at the back.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>He has emerged as a big talent, so much so Mourinho wasn't afraid to compare him with one of France's finest defenders in the aftermath of his Capital One Cup final display.</p>
<p>"[Zouma is] is our new Marcel Desailly," the Chelsea boss boldly stated after the game.</p>
<p>"He worked hard during the week, he did it at other times&mdash;we were preparing him now and again before&mdash; and he did a fantastic job for us.</p>
<p>"I think with Fabregas and Ramires [in there], we would have been in trouble against a team like Tottenham."</p>
<p>It was high praise indeed.</p>
<p>In the same way victory at Wembley has transformed the mindset of this Chelsea team, Zouma's performance has altered the dynamic of the squad Mourinho has at his disposal.</p>
<p>There are options throughout, and suddenly he has them in an area where they have lacked depth outside of Matic.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Zouma was quick to play down any comparison with his compatriot Desailly&mdash;a man who served Chelsea so well from 1998 through to 2004&mdash;but the similarities were there.</p>
<p>Despite it being his first game in that position&mdash;and in a cup final no less&mdash;he played with the authority we once saw from Desailly, a man who performed the same role at times in his career, also playing centre-back.</p>
<p>Zouma read the game well, wasn't rash and showed his maturity. There were times he was found out of position and momentarily exposed, but that even happened to Desailly at times.</p>
<p>His job on Sunday was to play Matic's role&mdash;screen the defence and break up Spurs' attacks.</p>
<p>By that measure, it was faultless from Zouma. It also got the best out of Cahill, who put in one of his finest performances of the season.</p>
<p>Spurs hadn't controlled proceedings before the interval, yet Mauricio Pochettino's side had looked the most threatening.</p>
<p>They had runners off the ball, were causing problems on the break, and with Eriksen's free-kick that smashed back off the bar, they had come closest to scoring.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Chelsea limited them to long-range efforts, though. Petr Cech didn't find himself exposed in goal, and any threat in and around the box was snuffed out a fearsome defensive unit that Zouma formed a big part of.</p>
<p>Ahead of this week's visit to <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/west-ham-united">West Ham United</a> in the Premier League, Mourinho was back praising Zouma's ability, but he did explain to journalists that his long-term future isn't in midfield.</p>
<p>"We were feeling his confidence in the week [ahead of the Capital One Cup final]," he explained. "I don't like to ask players to do things that they are not ready to do, but [Zouma] was showing every day in the week that confidence [that he could perform in midfield].</p>
<p>"[But] it's not his future at Chelsea to play in this position."</p>
<p>Sunday's victory was reminiscent of Chelsea in Mourinho's first spell. Rather than go toe to toe with Spurs and risk the game getting away from them, Chelsea squeezed the life out of it.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>They sucked the life from Spurs and then pounced ruthlessly when Terry scored on the stroke of half-time to kill the spirit of the opposition.</p>
<p>If that was a sign of the past, Zouma represented the future. He may not become an out-and-out midfielder, yet his manager knows what he can do when the moment calls for it.</p>
<p>Between now and May, Chelsea hope to be competing for honours in the Champions League as well as protecting their lead at the top of the Premier League to keep <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/manchester-city">Manchester City</a> at bay.</p>
<p>Zouma's midfield exploits have just made himself vital to that.</p>
<p>Mourinho lifted silverware at Wembley and uncovered a gem in the process.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><em>Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/garryhayes">@garryhayes</a></em></strong></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:50:36 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383612-how-kurt-zoumas-capital-one-cup-final-display-has-transformed-chelseas-squad
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383612-how-kurt-zoumas-capital-one-cup-final-display-has-transformed-chelseas-squadhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383612-how-kurt-zoumas-capital-one-cup-final-display-has-transformed-chelseas-squadSoccerWorld FootballPremier LeagueChelseaJohn TerryLeague CupOpinionNemanja MaticKurt ZoumaArtur DavtyanFlorida State Junior Day a 'Great Experience' for No. 1 WR, Other Top RecruitsSanjay Kirpalani<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">For the second consecutive weekend, Tallahassee was one of the epicenters of the recruiting universe as Florida State held its second junior day last weekend.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://floridastate.247sports.com/Bolt/FSU-Junior-Day-Visitor-List-35708489">Chris Nee of Noles247</a>, there were plenty of talented recruits from the 2016 and 2017 classes on the '<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Noles</span></span>&nbsp;campus.</p>
<p>While <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">didn</span></span>&rsquo;t net any commitments from this weekend&rsquo;s festivities, the returns were still promising for head coach <span class="spellcheck">Jimbo</span> Fisher and his staff&rsquo;s efforts moving forward.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What were the main <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">storylines</span></span> to emerge from <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span>&rsquo;s second junior day, and what did some of the top prospects who were present in Tallahassee have to say about how things went?</p>
<p>Let&rsquo;s take a look in this post-FSU junior day primer.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Nation&rsquo;s Top WR Impressed with <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span></strong></p>
<p>One of the headliners in attendance last weekend was 5-star wideout and current Auburn commitment <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Nate-Craig-Myers-24834">Nate Craig-Myers</a>.</p>
<p>The 6&rsquo;2&rdquo;, 205-pounder, who is rated as the nation&rsquo;s top receiver in the 2016 class and the No. 11 player overall in the 2016 class, admits that he was impressed with his latest trip to Tallahassee.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It was a great experience,&rdquo; Craig-Myers told Bleacher Report. &ldquo;[The highlight was] just getting to sit down and talk a lot with [receivers] Coach [Lawrence] <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Dawsey</span></span> and coach Fisher.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Craig-Myers said that Florida State is a program that sells itself&mdash;noting their recent tradition as well as the track record of Fisher and his coaching staff.</p>
<p>&ldquo;They are a winning program,&rdquo; Craig-Myers said. &ldquo;That speaks for itself. The guys that they produce, they go the next level. It&rsquo;s a family atmosphere up there. I also like the way that they get their <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">playmakers</span></span> the ball.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Craig-Myers mentioned plans to make a return trip to <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span>&nbsp;and said that schools such as Alabama and USC are programs that he hopes to visit in the near future.</p>
<p>So where does his recruitment stand at the moment?&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m still just looking around and trying to make the right decision,&rdquo; Craig-Myers said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to rush anything. I just want to make sure that I make the right decision.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>2016 CB <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Jayvaughn</span></span> Myers Looking to Build his Own Name</strong></p>
<p>One of the highlights of the trip for Craig-Myers was the fact that he was joined by his brother, 2016 corner <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jayvaughn-Myers-63692"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Jayvaughn</span></span> Myers</a>.</p>
<p>The 6&rsquo;0&rdquo;, 175-pounder said that he enjoyed his time in Tallahassee and appreciates the fact that the '<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Noles</span></span> coaching staff is recruiting him on his merits alone.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It was great,&rdquo; Myers said. &ldquo;It was nice. The coaches are pretty friendly and stuff. They let you know what you bring to the table.&rdquo;</p>
<p>While he said that his focus is to get as many offers as possible, he does admit that playing with his brother at the next level would be a dream come true.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I think that is a big experience, because there&rsquo;s no one closer than your brother,&rdquo; Myers said. &ldquo;To get to play with him, that&rsquo;s one of my main goals.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Both Nate and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Jayvaughn</span></span> said that they <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">wouldn</span></span>&rsquo;t call themselves a package deal, but both reiterated their hope that the opportunity would come along for them to have the option of playing together at the next level.</p>
<p>As far as what <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Jayvaughn</span></span> is looking for in the process, defensive scheme, position and playing time are atop his list.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m mainly looking for the defensive schemes and looking at how soon I would play,&rdquo; Myers said. &ldquo;I would also want to know which position the school likes me at. Would they want me to play corner, safety or nickel? I prefer corner, so that&rsquo;s one of my top things I&rsquo;m looking at.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Top 2016 Commit Firm After Visit</strong></p>
<p>Another priority visitor for <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span>&rsquo;s staff was 2016 4-star defensive end and current &lsquo;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Noles</span></span> pledge <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Janarius-Robinson-33958"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Janarius</span></span> Robinson</a>.</p>
<p>The Panama City product&rsquo;s main agenda was to meet with new defensive ends coach Brad <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Lawing</span></span>.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I came to meet the coaches and talk to coach (Brad) <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Lawing</span></span>,&rdquo; Robinson told Nee (via <a href="http://floridastate.247sports.com/Bolt/Robinson-spends-time-with-Lawing-at-Junior-Day-35922792">Josh <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Newberg</span></span> of Noles247</a>). &ldquo;It was good to meet him. He wants to use me as a stand up guy or put my hand in the dirt.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>While in-state rival Florida has made a big push for the 6&rsquo;5&rdquo;, 232-pounder, Robinson admits that the trip helped him remember why he chose the Seminoles in the first place.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It means a lot that [they] still care about me so much even though I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">ve</span></span> been committed for a while,&rdquo; Robinson told Nee. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m still firm with Florida State. I have plans to come back for a spring practice.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>2017 Georgia <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">ATH</span></span> Nets Big Offer</strong></p>
<p>Among the notable out-of-state visitors were a pair of prospects&mdash;2016 4-star offensive lineman <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/EJ-Price-35488">E.J. Price</a> and 2017 4-star athlete <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jamyest-Williams-32773"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Jamyest</span></span> Williams</a>&mdash;from Archer High School in <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Lawrenceville</span></span>, Georgia.</p>
<p>It was the first trip to Tallahassee for the duo, and Williams admits that the trip shocked him in terms of how much he enjoyed it.</p>
<p>&ldquo;They have a really nice campus and I like the coaches,&rdquo; Williams said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">ve</span></span> built a really great relationship with [defensive coordinator] Coach [Charles] Kelly and Coach Fisher. It&rsquo;s a really fun atmosphere down there and it&rsquo;s really nice.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The trip was extra special for the 5&rsquo;9&rdquo;, 180-pound Williams because he was offered by Fisher while on his visit. Fisher also gave Williams some very high praise, comparing him to another pair of former Seminoles greats and stud recruits.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I went into the office and talked with coach Fisher, and he said he really liked me and said he wanted to offer me,&rdquo; Williams said. &ldquo;He said I reminded him of Greg Reid and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Lamarcus</span></span> Joyner.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Williams noted that <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FSU</span></span> offered him as a defensive back and as a return man on kickoffs and punts.</p>
<p>While he maintains that he&rsquo;s still open with his recruitment, he notes that he was very impressed with the '<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Noles</span></span>' program on the field and how they help their athletes achieve their goals in the classroom as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;We [he and E.J.] felt really good about the trip,&rdquo; Williams said. &ldquo;It was nicer than what we were expecting. It was tremendous with their academics and their support staff and how they help their athletes grow.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Sanjay</span></span>&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Kirpalani</span></span>&nbsp;is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of </em><a href="http://247sports.com"><em>247Sports</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p><a class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SanjayKirpalani">Follow @SanjayKirpalani</a></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:42:27 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383647-florida-state-junior-day-a-great-experience-for-no-1-wr-other-top-recruits
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383647-florida-state-junior-day-a-great-experience-for-no-1-wr-other-top-recruitshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383647-florida-state-junior-day-a-great-experience-for-no-1-wr-other-top-recruitsNCAACollege FootballACC FootballFlorida State FootballJimbo FisherOpinionCollege Football RecruitingESPN Releases Trailer for '30 for 30: I Hate Christian Laettner'Kyle Newport<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">Outside of Durham, North Carolina, Christian Laettner didn't have many fans during his time with the Duke Blue Devils. He was hated, for a variety of reasons, by basketball fans everywhere.</p><p class="ui-droppable">Now, ESPN Films has created a new&nbsp;<em>30 for 30</em> documentary&nbsp;in his honor.</p><p class="ui-droppable">The trailer for&nbsp;<em>30 for 30: I Hate Christian Laettner</em>&nbsp;has been released, and it's pretty much exactly what you'd expect. There's no shortage of naysayers.</p><p class="ui-droppable">The documentary will air on March 15 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.</p><p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw4isFCQJ-c&amp;feature=youtu.be">ESPN</a>]</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:34:39 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383648-espn-releases-trailer-for-30-for-30-i-hate-christian-laettner
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383648-espn-releases-trailer-for-30-for-30-i-hate-christian-laettnerhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383648-espn-releases-trailer-for-30-for-30-i-hate-christian-laettnerCollege BasketballBreaking NewsCricket World Cup 2015 Table: Updated Pools After South Africa vs Ireland ResultRory Marsden<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">South Africa proved once again why they are one of the hotly tipped favourites to win the 2015 World Cup as they crushed Ireland by 201 runs in Canberra on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The <span class="spellcheck">Proteas</span> smashed a total of over 400 for the second consecutive Pool B clash, with Hashim <span class="spellcheck">Amla</span> and <span class="spellcheck">Faf</span> <span class="spellcheck">du</span> <span class="spellcheck">Plessis</span> both scoring centuries as South Africa posted 411 after having scored 408 against West Indies on Friday.</p>
<p>Ireland fell well short in the chase, being bowled out for just 210. South Africa now look to be building well into the tournament after an initial slow start against Zimbabwe was followed by a crushing defeat to India.</p>
<p>Here are the latest pool standings after Tuesday's action:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>South Africa won the toss at the <span class="spellcheck">Manuka</span> Oval on Tuesday and elected to bat, an ominous sign for any opposing team when facing the <span class="spellcheck">Proteas</span>, per cricket writer Freddie Wilde:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Following the early fall of Quinton <span class="spellcheck">de</span> Kock&mdash;for one in the third over&mdash;<span class="spellcheck">Amla</span> and Du <span class="spellcheck">Plessis</span> got to work on punishing the Irish bowling.</p>
<p>The pair put on 247 runs together, with <span class="spellcheck">Amla</span> leading from the front as he smashed 14 fours and four sixes. According to Opta, Kevin O'Brien took a fair amount of punishment in particular:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Du <span class="spellcheck">Plessis</span> eventually fell for 109 off 109 balls before <span class="spellcheck">Amla</span> was dismissed by Andy <span class="spellcheck">McBrine</span> for 159.</p>
<p>However, there was to be no end to the onslaught, as David Miller and <span class="spellcheck">Rilee</span> <span class="spellcheck">Rossouw</span> came to the crease and added further quick-fire runs, per <span class="spellcheck">ByTheMin</span> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/cricket">Cricket</a>:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>South Africa arguably have the best <span class="spellcheck">ODI</span> batting lineup in the world, and they showed again on Tuesday why they are so very dangerous, even without a significant contribution from skipper AB <span class="spellcheck">de</span> Villiers, who added just 24 runs.</p>
<p>In response, Ireland crumbled to 48-5 inside 11 overs, as Kyle Abbott and Dale <span class="spellcheck">Steyn</span> shared five early wickets.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span><span>Andrew&nbsp;</span><span class="spellcheck">Balbirnie</span> and O'Brien then added some respectability to the score with a sixth-wicket stand of 81, but Ireland were eventually bowled out for 210 in 45 overs.</span></p>
<p><span>It was the first loss of the&nbsp;competition&nbsp;for the Irish, and their&nbsp;<span>net run rate took a beating, but they are still well placed to make it to the knockout rounds.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>However, they need to up their performance for key upcoming clashes with Zimbabwe and Pakistan, their Pool B rivals, with c<span><span class="spellcheck">ricket</span> statistician <span class="spellcheck">Mazher</span> <span class="spellcheck">Arshad</span> shedding some light on the situation:</span></span></span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>South Africa, meanwhile, need only to beat one of&nbsp;<span>Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates</span>&nbsp;to guarantee qualification to the quarter-finals.</p>
<p>They will, of course, be looking to win both convincingly in order to pick up the easiest draw possible in the last eight, and in this kind of form, only a fool would bet against them doing just that.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:33:26 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383420-cricket-world-cup-2015-table-updated-pools-after-south-africa-vs-ireland-result
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383420-cricket-world-cup-2015-table-updated-pools-after-south-africa-vs-ireland-resulthttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383420-cricket-world-cup-2015-table-updated-pools-after-south-africa-vs-ireland-resultCricketGame RecapWorld Cup (Cricket)The Revenge of Jabrill Peppers, Michigan's Forgotten 5-StarBen Axelrod<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">For all that went wrong throughout Michigan's 2014 campaign, the season actually started with a source of excitement.</p>
<p>But much like everything else that happened to the Wolverines a year ago, it soon turned into a disappointment.</p>
<p>Although optimism in Ann Arbor dwindled as <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/brady-hoke">Brady Hoke</a>'s reign over Michigan continued, the arrival of 5-star defensive back <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jabrill-Peppers-13084?Institution=3392" target="_blank"><span class="spellcheck">Jabrill</span> Peppers</a> last summer was still met with plenty of fanfare from the maize and blue faithful. The top-ranked athlete in the 2014 class, Peppers' status as a can't-miss-prospect only seemed to be solidified when he landed the Wolverines' starting <span class="spellcheck">nickelback</span> role in the first month of his freshman season.</p>
<p>Recording eight tackles and returning one punt in three games, the start of Peppers' debut season showed promise. But like the rest of Michigan's year, it soon went south quickly.</p>
<p>Suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of the Wolverines' second game of the season against Notre Dame, Peppers would return to play in Michigan's ensuing games against Miami (Ohio) and Utah. The highly touted defensive back, however, wouldn't play in a single game for the remainder of his freshman season, re-injuring his ankle before opting to sit out November in hopes of preserving a medical redshirt.</p>
<p>"I did my research and I found out there was something called the '30 percent rule,'" Peppers said in an interview on <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=3&amp;ved=0CC4QFjAC&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fmgovideo.com%2Fjabrill-peppers-spring-practice-interview%2F&amp;ei=x-f1VK2AL9L2yQSe2YHYCg&amp;usg=AFQjCNH7lN9MWlUEF1OiczbhxW7t4yUQiA&amp;sig2=F2J_kJxohSPQFiR_7bii2Q&amp;bvm=bv.87269000,d.aWw" target="_blank">Michigan's official website</a>. "I had great faith and based on my research, I wasn't really questioning it."</p>
<p>Peppers' research paid off, with his medical redshirt being granted in February, essentially pressing the reset on his freshman year. It didn't take long for the East Orange, New Jersey, native to get back in the minds of Wolverines fans either, with a video showcasing his absurd athleticism going viral after the first day of Michigan's spring practice.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Jim Harbaugh and his staff's plans for Peppers go beyond <span class="spellcheck">backflips</span>, with the 6'1", 205-pounder being penciled in as a starting safety at the start of spring practice. Wolverines defensive coordinator D.J. <span class="spellcheck">Durkin</span> said don't count on Peppers being found in one place, though, as Michigan's coaches plan on putting his versatility to use.</p>
<p>"We'll move him around," <span class="spellcheck">Durkin</span> said following the Wolverines' second spring practice session. "We're going to find the best fit and the best mix for everyone. He'll play several spots."</p>
<p>With the ability to play safety, corner, nickel and return kicks, Michigan's new staff is evidently high on Peppers. And justifiably so.</p>
<p>The No. 3 overall prospect in the 2014 class, Peppers was recruited by just about every big-name program in the nation, including <span class="spellcheck">Durkin</span> during his previous stint at Florida. Ultimately, the Garden State product settled on Michigan, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQusK1WK1rY" target="_blank">announcing his decision</a> on national television in May 2013.</p>
<p>A lifelong Wolverines fan, Peppers fell in love with the program's previous staff, but not nearly as much as he did with Michigan's storied tradition. That likely helped during his time on the sideline a season ago, as his freshman campaign hardly fit the script of a storybook.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Regressing for a third consecutive season, the Wolverines struggled to a 5-7 record, with Hoke's fate of being fired seemingly decided by late October. Peppers admitted 2014 wasn't everything he envisioned it to be, but also said he's thankful for the paradigm shift he endured.</p>
<p>"It definitely opened my eyes to a lot and the things I may have taken for granted in the past," Peppers said as he looked back on his first freshman year. "Me, being young and wanting to be out there and not necessarily knowing how to be injured, how to keep team morale and keep guys spirits up."</p>
<p>Make no mistake though, Peppers is excited to end his time on the sideline and get back to his <span class="spellcheck">playmaking</span> ways. And despite still just being a freshman, it's not a stretch to think that the charismatic Peppers could be a leader in a program still searching for an on-field face in its latest reboot.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We have high expectations for <span class="spellcheck">Jabrill</span>. But more importantly, <span class="spellcheck">Jabrill</span> has high expectations for himself,&rdquo; <span class="spellcheck">Durkin</span> said. &ldquo;Anytime those things match together, it&rsquo;s a great combination.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Peppers doesn't disagree.</p>
<p>"I'm definitely more hungry than ever right now," he said. "I just can't really wait to showcase what I can really do and told myself and set my goals that I would get, and the things that I would be."</p>
<p>Once again, Peppers finds himself as a source of optimism in Ann Arbor. Only this time, he plans on remaining one.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Ben <span class="spellcheck">Axelrod</span> is Bleacher Report's Big Ten Lead Writer. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/benaxelrod" target="_blank">@<span class="spellcheck">BenAxelrod</span></a>. Unless noted otherwise, all quotes obtained firsthand. All statistics courtesy of <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com" target="_blank"><span class="spellcheck">cfbstats</span>.com</a>. Recruiting rankings courtesy of <a href="http://www.247sports.com" target="_blank">247Sports</a>.</em></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:33:10 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383464-the-revenge-of-jabrill-peppers-michigans-forgotten-5-star
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383464-the-revenge-of-jabrill-peppers-michigans-forgotten-5-starhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383464-the-revenge-of-jabrill-peppers-michigans-forgotten-5-starNCAACollege FootballBig Ten FootballMichigan Wolverines FootballOpinion2015 NFL Free Agents: Predicting Destinations for Top Players on MarketTimothy Rapp<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">This year's free-agent market is stacked with top talents and players who could truly be franchise-changing signings for the organizations that land them. Come next week, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> is going to be absolutely buzzing as the bidding process beings.</p>
<p>But where will the top options end up? Which organizations will splash the cash to land the top players available?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Below, I'll make my predictions.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br><strong><strong>Ndamukong&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck">Suh</span></strong>: Indianapolis Colts</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Yes, the Colts would have to get creative with their cap to sign a player like&nbsp;Ndamukong&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck">Suh</span>, especially with an <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> <span class="spellcheck">megadeal</span> on the horizon. But they could make the money work and seem like a major contender for <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span>'s services.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> would give them a nasty, <span class="spellcheck">transformative</span> presence on the defensive line. He would drastically improve a front seven that basically got pushed around by the New England Patriots twice last season. He would give the team a new dynamic against the pass, too, since he generates so much pressure up the middle.</p>
<p>But signing him would also fit the team's aggressive mentality when it comes to making roster moves. The Colts haven't been afraid to make big moves in free agency or through trades to improve this team in an effort to surround Luck with a solid supporting cast sooner rather than later.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> would be the culmination of that mentality. The Colts probably aren't the <span class="spellcheck">front-runner</span>s to land <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> at the moment, but if <span class="spellcheck">Suh</span> not only wants to get paid but also wants to win, heading to Indy would make a ton of sense.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/randall-cobb">Randall Cobb</a>: Oakland Raiders</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Unless Randall Cobb is willing to take a major hometown discount&mdash;and he might&mdash;he isn't going to be back with the Green Bay Packers. They just don't have the cap space to make him a competitive offer on the market.</p>
<p>The Oakland Raiders do, however, and while Cobb would have to be willing to join a team in rebuilding mode, he would at least be a part of a squad that has the quarterback situation intact with Derek Carr. Plus, if the Raiders are fully committed to surrounding Carr with weapons for next year, they could use the No. 4 pick in the draft to select a wideout such as <span class="spellcheck">Amari</span> Cooper or Kevin White.</p>
<p>That combination of factors will likely make it easier for Cobb to head to a team like Oakland that has a lot of holes to fill before it can compete for the postseason. Well, that and the buckets of cash he'll get for signing with the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/jeremy-maclin">Jeremy <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span></a>: Philadelphia Eagles</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Jeremy <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span> isn't going anywhere. The Philadelphia Eagles have the cap space to offer him a competitive deal on the market, and <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span> simply isn't going to find an offensive scheme that better suits his talents.</p>
<p>It's pretty clear that both sides want to keep this relationship intact, and <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span> basically said as much. &nbsp;</p>
<p>"I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business," <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span> told Les Bowen of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/dneagles/Maclin-still-optimistic-about-deal-with-Eagles.html"><em>Philadelphia Daily News</em></a>.&nbsp;"Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."</p>
<p>He's not going anywhere, folks. Both sides will likely allow Cobb to set the market in free agency, but <span class="spellcheck">Maclin</span> will be back in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/demarco-murray"><span class="spellcheck">DeMarco</span> Murray</a>: Dallas Cowboys</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Another player likely to stay with his current team is <span class="spellcheck">DeMarco</span> Murray. There are a number of factors that will conspire to keep Murray in Dallas.</p>
<ul>
<li>Murray has a pretty good thing going with the team. The Cowboys are a playoff contender and have an excellent offensive line, so staying would be appealing.</li>
<li>NFL teams have really devalued running backs over the years, so Murray likely isn't going to get the huge payday he might expect, especially considering his injury history and the fact that he is coming off of a season where he accumulated a whopping 392 carries. That's a lot of wear and tear, even if Murray is still just 27.</li>
<li>This is a pretty good draft for running backs, highlighted by Melvin Gordon and Todd <span class="spellcheck">Gurley</span>, so teams might be inclined to fill any needs at the position through the draft, not by splashing a ton of cash to secure a veteran option.&nbsp;</li>
</ul><p>Add it all up, and it's easy to see not only why the Cowboys have always had leverage in any Murray dealings but also why he's likely to return to the team unless one team goes a bit crazy with a contract offer the Cowboys simply can't match.</p>
<p>But that seems unlikely.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Devin <span class="spellcheck">McCourty</span>: Philadelphia Eagles</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The New York Jets are going to be major players for Devin <span class="spellcheck">McCourty,</span> and the New England Patriots likely don't want to lose him either, but the Philadelphia Eagles represent the best of both worlds for <span><span class="spellcheck">McCourty</span></span>.</p>
<p>Unlike the Jets, the Eagles aren't rebuilding and have the foundation of a playoff roster in place. Unlike the Patriots, who may need to absorb a giant cap hit to keep Darrelle Revis around, the Eagles have the sort of cap space to entice him with a big deal. And with the Eagles looking primed to rebuild the secondary through free agency, <span class="spellcheck">McCourty</span> will likely be one of the team's top priorities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Julius Thomas: Atlanta Falcons</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Atlanta Falcons need way more help on the defensive side of the ball, but they also had a major hole in their offense without Tony Gonzalez holding down the tight end position. Julius Thomas would address that in a major way.</p>
<p>Plus, <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/roddy-white">Roddy White</a> is getting older, so it's not as though the team shouldn't be considering upgrading <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/matt-ryan">Matt Ryan</a>'s weapons in the passing game over the coming years. And Thomas is just 26, meaning he and <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/julio-jones">Julio Jones</a> should form a dominant pair for years to come.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Falcons have the need, the means and likely the desire, as they don't want to waste the primes of players such as Ryan and Jones. This signing would make a lot of sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TRappaRT" target="_blank"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" alt="Follow TRappaRT on Twitter"></a></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:29:12 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383391-2015-nfl-free-agents-predicting-destinations-for-top-players-on-market
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383391-2015-nfl-free-agents-predicting-destinations-for-top-players-on-markethttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383391-2015-nfl-free-agents-predicting-destinations-for-top-players-on-marketNFLOpinionDenver Nuggets Head Coach Search: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Position Timothy Rapp<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif">With the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> firing Brian Shaw, per Chris Dempsey of <a href="https://twitter.com/dempseypost/status/572808966620618752" target="_blank"><em>The Denver Post</em></a>, the team will now be seeking a new head coach. Melvin Hunt is expected to take over in the interim, while Mike D'Antoni and others have emerged as possible long-term replacements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Continue for updates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<hr><h2><span>Melvin Hunt Expected to Be Interim Coach,&nbsp;<span>Mike D'Antoni, Others</span> in Mix</span></h2>
<h4><span>Tuesday, March 3</span></h4>
<p>The Nuggets will have some big decisions to make following Shaw's firing, both for the rest of the season and for the future of the organization after that. It appears the team might be going the interim route for now, per Dempsey:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>But don't count out Mike&nbsp;<span>D'Antoni, who could reenter the coaching mix, per Ethan J. Skolnick of Bleacher Report:&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p><span><span>"There is nothing that motivates me more than being with a group of guys in the coaching room of an organization trying to figure out un-solveable problems," <a href="http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sl0ujh">D'Antoni told</a> Skolnick and Howard Beck, per <a href="http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sl0uj5">Bleacher Report SXM</a>.&nbsp;<span>"It's fun. It's a competition thing...it's fun to have a relationship with players like Jeremy Lin, Steve Nash, and watch guys develop."&nbsp; <br></span></span></span></p>
<p><span>Sam Amick of <em>USA Today</em>,&nbsp;meanwhile, has more on the ties to Denver's job:</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>ESPN's Marc Stein added two other names to the mix:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>While D'Antoni might be willing to take the job, Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Nuggets haven't considered any long-term options as of now:&nbsp;</p>
<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p>D'Antoni's stint with the Nuggets didn't go terribly well, as he went 14-36 in the 1998-99 season. But he made his mark with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/phoenix-suns">Phoenix Suns</a>, going 253-156 from 2003 to 2008 and leading the team to the postseason four times.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He then left to coach the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/new-york-knicks">New York Knicks</a>, though in four seasons they made the postseason just once and his up-tempo system never seemed to take root. He then spent two years with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, making the playoffs in 2012-13 season (they were swept in the first round) before going 27-55 in his second campaign with the team and deciding to leave the organization.</p>
<p>His up-tempo style might be just what the Nuggets need, however, as the team was simply <a href="http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/post/_/id/12404937/nuggets-break-huddle-chant-suggests-given-season">going through the motions</a> under Shaw. In Denver, D'Antoni would also have the opportunity to build his system without needing to work around more established superstars, often an issue in both New York and Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The fit seems to be a good one, though the Nuggets could also choose to go the interim route to see which candidates are available in the offseason. But D'Antoni seems likely to be a candidate in all scenarios.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TRappaRT" target="_blank"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/follow_me-c.png" alt="Follow TRappaRT on Twitter"></a></p>Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:27:23 -0500http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383610-denver-nuggets-head-coach-search-latest-news-rumors-speculation-on-position
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383610-denver-nuggets-head-coach-search-latest-news-rumors-speculation-on-positionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2383610-denver-nuggets-head-coach-search-latest-news-rumors-speculation-on-positionBasketballNBANBA NorthwestDenver NuggetsBreaking News